Are you searching for the Best Places To Travel In August Usa? Look no further! SIXT.VN is here to guide you on an unforgettable journey through some of the most captivating destinations the United States has to offer. Whether you crave coastal charm, mountain majesty, or vibrant cityscapes, August is the perfect time to explore. Our detailed insights and travel solutions ensure a seamless and enriching experience. Get ready to discover hidden gems and create lasting memories with our top recommendations for August travel in the USA, including scenic drives, historical sites, and outdoor adventures.
1. Half Moon Bay, Northern California
Half Moon Bay Summer Scenic Coastline
This charming coastal town is a gem to explore in August. The temperatures are mild, and the heavy fog, common earlier in the summer, is absent.
August is humpback whale migration season, the flowers are blooming, and lively events like the Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival, Summer’s End Music Festival, Concerts in the Park, and Downtown Make it Main Street add to the atmosphere.
Spend three dreamy days here on a Highway 1 road trip. Relax on Half Moon Bay State Beach, check out the picturesque Pillar Point Harbor, and explore the tide pools in the scenic Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. Watch world-class surfers at Mavericks Beach, and explore boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy restaurants.
- Visitor’s Center Address: Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
- Location: northern California coast, western United States
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- Vibe: Relaxed, coastal, and slightly upscale
- Average temperatures – 16°C to 20°C
Highlights:
- Dine at the farm-to-table Italian restaurant Pasta Moon, known for its rustic-chic decor and handmade pasta.
- Hike for 1.5 hours on the Devil’s Slide Trail, a 2.6-mile paved round trip, and watch the crashing ocean waves, pelicans, and harbor seals.
2. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island Michigan Horse Carriage Ride
This traffic-free resort island offers warm and sunny weather with cool breezes, perfect for outdoor activities and colorful gardens in full bloom.
Fun events such as the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival and sailing regattas add to the experience.
Take a 20-minute ferry ride from Mackinaw City and explore the biking and hiking trails in Mackinac Island State Park, which occupies most of the island. Go kayaking on Lake Huron, visit historic Fort Mackinac, and stroll downtown to see well-preserved Victorian buildings, museums, fudge stores, and unique shops.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 7200 Lake Shore Dr, Mackinac Island, Michigan 49757
- Location: northwestern United States
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- Vibe: Charming and nostalgic
- Average daytime temperatures – 18°C to 24°C
Highlights:
- Visit the historic Grand Hotel (from 1887) with its grand dining room and chandeliers.
- Hike 45 minutes on the Bluff Trail to reach the stunning 146-foot Arch Rock for views of Lake Huron’s turquoise waters.
3. Priest Lake, Idaho
Priest Lake Idaho Scenic Lake View
This peaceful beauty spot in August offers perfect weather for swimming, boating, and camping. The Selkirk Mountains and clear alpine waters are at their peak scenic beauty.
It’s also prime time for huckleberry picking and wildlife watching.
Drive two hours from Spokane and stay in Elkins Resort. Enjoy boating, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle-boarding on the lake, hike trails in Priest Lake State Park, pick wild huckleberries, picnic on sandy beaches, and take scenic drives around the lake.
- Visitor’s Center Address: ID-57, Priest River, Idaho 83856
- Location: northwestern United States
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- Vibe: Tranquil and unspoiled, with a rustic charm
- Average temperature – 24°C to 29°C
Highlights:
- Stay at the historic Elkins Resort (dating from 1932) in a log cabin with a stone fireplace and private deck overlooking the lake.
- Hike the challenging 5.8-mile Fault Lake Trail for views of Fault Lake nestled in the Selkirk Mountains.
4. Cambria, California
Cambria California Main Street Shops
This charming coastal village is perfect for a summer break. The weather in August is mild with sunny days and cool ocean breezes, and there’s less fog than earlier in the summer.
It’s also whale-watching season, with events like the Cambria Farmer’s Market and outdoor lawn games.
Stay at the funky boutique Cambria Beach Lodge for three days and hike the scenic coastal trails, cycle on Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, go wine tasting in Paso Robles, discover moonstones and tide pools at Moonstone Beach, and explore the historic downtown with boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 2251 Center St, Cambria, CA 93428
- Location: Central Coast of the western United States
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- Vibe: relaxed, artistic, and quaint small-town vibe with a touch of bohemian charm
- Average daytime temperature – 18°C to 24°C
5. San Juan Islands, Washington
San Juan Islands Washington Coastal Scenery
This unique summer vacation destination in August offers warm, sunny, and mostly dry weather with long days perfect for outdoor exploration. The lavender fields are in full bloom.
It’s a great time to catch summer events like the Lopez Island Farmers Market and go whale-watching.
Drive two hours north from Seattle to Anacortes Ferry Terminal, take a 1 hour and 25-minute ferry ride, and stay for a week. Go kayaking, explore Roche Harbor, bike on Lopez Island, sample wine at Orcas Island Winery, discover the Orcas Island Artists Studio Tour, and explore Mount Finlayson Trail.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 165 First Street South Friday Harbor, WA 98250
- Location: Salish Sea in the northwestern part of Washington State (between the U.S. mainland and Vancouver Island, Canada).
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- Vibe: Laid-back and nature-focused, with a strong sense of community
- Average temperature – 21°C to 24°C
6. Lake Tahoe, California
South Lake Tahoe California Emerald Bay State Park
Lake Tahoe is a fun family-friendly resort all year round, but in August, the weather is dry, warm, and sunny, perfect for messing around on the water.
There are awesome summer events taking place this month such as the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest, Free Summer Concert Series on the Beach, Concerts at Commons Beach, and Truckee Thursday.
Drive two hours from Sacramento International Airport and stay for 10 days. Hike scenic trails in Emerald Bay State Park and see Eagle Falls, go boating, kayaking, paddle-boarding, discover the Tahoe City Farmers Market, and relax on sandy beaches like Pope Beach, Kiva Beach, and Baldwin Beach.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 4114 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Location: western United States
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- Vibe: laid-back yet adventurous
- Average daytime temperatures – 21°C to 27°C
7. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach Oregon Haystack Rock Sunset
This small, picturesque coastal town is dreamy in August. The temperatures are mild, and there’s less fog than earlier in the summer.
They were perfect for exploring the outdoors and seeing the gorgeous sunsets! It’s also whale-watching season, with events such as the Cannon Beach Farmers Market, Rockwood community market and Yoga in the Park.
Drive 80 miles west of Portland on the Pacific Coast Highway (90 minutes) and stop for three days. Explore the quaint downtown, the sandy beach, tide pools, the iconic Haystack Rock, spot tufted puffins, and hike a trail in Ecola State Park.
- Visitor’s Center Address: Cannon Beach, OR 97110
- Location: northern Oregon Coast, western United States
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- Vibe: romantic and artsy
- Average daytime temperatures – 18°C to 21°C
8. Stonington, Maine
Stonington Maine Coastal Harbor View
This small, historic coastal town offers warm temperatures and a breeze in August.
The clear, sunny weather is perfect for boating and hiking, and the local art galleries and cafés are in full swing. There’s a summer buzz about the place with the Stonington Farmers’ Market.
Drive three hours from Portland, Maine, across the Deer Isle–Sedgwick Bridge, and stay for four days. Kayak, attend a music concert at the opera house, take a boat tour to Isle au Haut, hike trails in Crockett Cove Woods Preserve, and discover unique gift shops and farm-to-table restaurants.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 114 Little Deer Isle Road, Deer Isle, ME 04627
- Location: Deer Isle off the southeastern coast of Maine, northeastern United States
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- Vibe: artsy, off-the-beaten-path charm
- Average daytime temperatures – 18°C to 24°C
9. Portland, Oregon
Portland Oregon City Skyline Summer
Portland is at its best in the summer. It’s peak tourist season, but the weather is hot and sunny, and the city has incredible energy with summer events and food trucks fully open.
Enjoy awesome Bridge Pedal, Piano Push Play, Portland’s Hip Hop Week, and the Portland Adult Soapbox Derby.
Fly into Portland International Airport (PDX) and stay for four days. Head to the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park and explore the nearby Portland Japanese Garden. Check out the Saturday Market, stroll along Washington Park, catch live music at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, and sip cocktails at the Departure Lounge.
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 1132 SW Harvey Milk St #104, Portland, OR 97205
- Location: northwestern part of Oregon, northwestern United States
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- Vibe: quirky and eco-conscious
- Average daytime temperatures – 27°C to 29°C
10. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park Montana Scenic Mountain View
August is peak season in this protected wilderness, so it’s busy, but the sunny weather and long daylight hours are perfect for outdoor activities.
Spot active wildlife and see wildflowers in bloom. The hiking trails and scenic drives are snow-free and accessible.
Drive four hours from Spokane and stay for a week. Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at Logan Pass for views, explore Many Glacier Valley, see Iceberg Lake, go on a boat tour of Lake McDonald, and hike the Highline Trail.
- Visitor’s Center Address: West Glacier, MT 59936
- Location: northwestern corner of Montana, bordering Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, northwestern USA.
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- Vibe: Wild, rugged, and breathtaking
- Average temperatures – 17°C to 27°C (depending on elevation)
Highlights:
- Stay at the historic Many Glacier Hotel (from 1915) with its Swiss Chalet design and views of Swiftcurrent Lake.
- Hike the Scenic Point Trail in Two Medicine Valley for views of Two Medicine Lake and Rising Wolf Mountain.
11. Berkshires, Massachusetts
Berkshires Massachusetts Scenic Countryside
This affluent rural, mountainous region offers warm and dry weather in August, perfect for exploring the countryside. See colorful flowers and enjoy festivals, farmers markets, and events.
Go to the Tanglewood Music Festival, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and Berkshire Theatre Festival.
Fly into Albany International Airport and drive an hour. Hike to Mount Greylock, boat on Lake Garfield, and discover art galleries, boutiques, and farm-to-table restaurants in Lenox, Great Barrington, and Stockbridge.
- Visitors Center Address: 66 Allen Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
- Location: western Massachusetts, in the northeastern USA
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- Vibe: peaceful and cultured countryside retreat
- Average daytime temperature – 24°C to 27°C
12. Blue Lakes, Colorado
Blue Lakes Colorado Mountain Reflection
Hiking this series of alpine lakes in August offers warm and dry weather with clear blue skies and low humidity, although there are occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
The temperatures are warm enough for high-elevation hiking without snow, and the turquoise glacial lakes and meadow wildflowers are at their most vibrant. It’s also perfect for camping and stargazing.
Fly into Telluride Regional Airport and drive 1.5 hours away, camping at a primitive campsite around Lower Blue Lake for three days.
Hike the scenic trails and brave backpacking to Upper Blue Lake, the most remote of the three lakes.
- Nearest Visitor’s Center Address: Ouray Visitor Center Address, 1230 Main St, Ouray, CO 81427
- Location: southwestern Colorado, western United States
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- Vibe: a pristine, high-alpine escape
- Average daytime temperatures – 18°C to 24°C
Highlights:
- Hike the Blue Lakes Trail to Lower and Middle Blue Lakes, seeing blue lakes, wildflowers, and aspen groves.
- Enjoy the scenic drive to the Blue Lakes Trailhead via Dallas Creek Road, with views of forests, valleys, and Mount Sneffels.
13. Beavers Bend Resort Park, Oklahoma
Beavers Bend Park Grandview Rim Overlook Scenic View
Camping at this scenic park in August, even during peak season, offers boating and swimming in hot, sunny weather.
It’s a bit too warm for long hikes, but with an early start, plenty of water, and sticking to shady forest trails, they’re manageable. It’s ideal for campfires, stargazing, and spotting wildlife without the chill or rain.
Drive three hours from Dallas and camp at Buckeye Campground.
Hike the trails, kayak on Broken Bow Lake, go tubing on Mountain Fork River, ride the mini-train at Beavers Bend Depot, and go zip-lining on Hochatown.
- Address: 4350 OK-259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728
- Location: southeastern Oklahoma, south-central region of USA
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- Vibe: serene, forested retreat
- Average daytime temperatures – 31°C to 33°C
Highlights:
- Hike the 1.5-mile Friends Trail Loop, with views of the Mountain Fork River and a waterfall.
14. Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs Arkansas Bathhouse Row Historic District
Although it’s one of the peak tourist months, I took a long weekend break here during August and I found the weather to be hot and sunny and perfect for taking dips in the relaxing, mineral-rich springs! All while escaping the worst of the southern humidity thanks to its elevated setting.
I also found out there were some cool late summer events going on such as fun The Queen Wilhelmina Rod Run and the popular Ouachita Expressions Show.
I flew into Little Rock National Airport and from there it was just a one hour drive and I went on the family-friendly National Park Duck Tour, enjoyed the pretty flowers at Garvan Woodland Gardens.
I also visited the two historic spas located in Bathhouse Row – the Quapaw Bathhouse which had open thermal pools and the quaint Buckstaff Bathhouse, and browsed the cute independent shops, art galleries and museums in downtown.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 369 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901
- Location: Ouachita Mountains, in Garland County in central Arkansas, south-central part of the USA
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- Vibe: a blend of spa-town charm and natural beauty
- Average daytime temperatures – 32°C to 34°C
15. Seabrook, Washington
Seabrook Washington Coastal Town View
This picturesque coastal town makes a wonderful summer break. The Pacific Northwest weather is sunniest and warmest, perfect for beach days, tide pooling, hiking, beach bonfires, and sunset strolls.
Attend outdoor events and markets such as the Seabrook Saturday Markets, Seabrook Sunset Concerts, and the Gnome and Fairy Festival.
Relax on Seabrook Beach and in Pacific Beach State Park, hike forest trails, take a day trip to Olympic National Park, and stroll through the New England-Inspired town center.
Drive 2.5 hours from Seattle and stay for a long weekend. Stop by Red Velvet Bakery for cupcakes, dine at the Rising Tide Tavern, and browse boutique shops.
- Visitor’s Center Address: WA-109, Pacific Beach, WA 98571
- Location: central coast of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, northwestern United States
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- Vibe: charming and family-friendly
- Average daytime temperature – 18°C to 24°C
Highlights:
- Stay at the “Otterly Relaxed” self-catering holiday home with chic decor and a private hot tub.
- Discover the Seabrook Saturday Market with yard games, live music, and lavender honey skincare products.
16. Long Beach Island, New Jersey
Long Beach Island New Jersey Beach Scene
This barrier island offers warm Atlantic waters, lively beaches, and classic summer fun in August.
The island is alive with water-based fun, outdoor dining, and seasonal events such as National Night Out and Fire Pit Fridays.
Drive two hours from New York City and stay for a week. Try surfing, enjoy beach volleyball and boating, take walks in Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, discover farmer’s markets, enjoy beach fun at Fantasy Island Amusement Park, and explore the Beach Haven Historic District.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 265 West 9th Street Ship Bottom NJ 08008
- Location: barrier island off the central coast of New Jersey, northeastern United States
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- Vibe: laid-back and family-friendly
- Average daytime temperatures – 27°C to 29°C
Highlights:
17. Seneca, South Carolina
Seneca South Carolina Lake Keowee Boating
This charming city offers lush summer temperatures, fewer crowds, and long sunny days, perfect for messing around on the lake.
Join late summer events such as Jazz on the Alley and the Seneca Jeep Fest.
Fly into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) and drive an hour. Enjoy boating, swimming, and kayaking on Lake Keowee, explore Ram Cat Alley, dine on Southern cuisine, and hike trails in South Cove County Park.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 221 E North 1st St. Seneca, SC 29678
- Location: northwestern corner of South Carolina, Southeastern United States
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- Vibe: laid-back, small-town atmosphere with Southern charm
- Average daytime temperature – 29°C to 32°C
Highlights:
18. Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island Rhode Island Coastal Cliff View
This serene resort island makes a beautiful setting for an idyllic summer getaway.
Vacationing here in August offers warm weather for swimming and beaches, with summer events such as the Saturday Farmer’s Market and live music.
Take a high-speed ferry from Newport, Rhode Island, and stay for a mini-break, relaxing on the beaches.
Take a tour of the Southeast Lighthouse, go boating on The Great Salt Pond, explore the Old Harbor Historic District, and stroll the trails in Block Island National Wildlife Refuge.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 4 Center Rd, New Shoreham, RI 02807
- Location: 12 miles south of mainland Rhode Island, northeastern United States
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- Vibe: quaint, laid-back New England charm
- Average daytime temperatures – 24°C to 27°C
19. Ely, Minnesota
Ely Minnesota Lake Scenic View
Staying at this small city, the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), at the height of the summer offers warm, sunny days perfect for enjoying lake days and exploring trails.
Enjoy live music and community events like Jazz on the Alley, the Ely Blueberry/Art Festival, Fest du Nord, and the laid-back summer vibe.
Fly into Duluth International Airport (DLH), drive two hours, and stay for a week. Kayak through the lakes of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, hike trails in Superior National Forest, and take a trip to the Dorothy Molter Museum.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 1600 E. Sheridan Street, Ely, MN 55731
- Location: northeastern part of Minnesota, Upper Midwest
- [Map Location](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Ely,+MN+55731,+USA/@47.9049702,-91.892566,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3
